Quinn says gambling not the focus this spring

May 08, 2012|By Monique Garcia | Clout Street

Gov. Pat Quinn, seen here last month, warned lawmakers against being distracted by a casino gambling plan today. (Abel Uribe/)

Gov. Pat Quinn on Tuesday took aim at the latest effort for a major gambling expansion, saying it's not a priority compared to efforts to reform the state's public employee pension system and health care program for the poor.

Quinn warned lawmakers against getting distracted by the gambling push, which happens almost every year near the end of the spring session, saying they need to keep their “eye on the prize.”

“We have very, very high priorities in restructuring Medicaid and reforming our pension system and getting a good budget. So, we don't want to get distracted here,” Quinn said following an appearance at Soldier Field for the opening of the Special Olympics spring games. “I think we've got to keep our eye on the prize, and the prize is complete restructuring and reform of two programs that need fundamental overhaul.”

Quinn's comments came in response to a rally by labor leaders in Chicago urging support for a gambling bill that would bring a casino to Chicago and four other locations across the state. Union groups say the proposal would create thousands of much-needed jobs to Illinois. The major gambling expansion was passed by lawmakers last year but stalled after Quinn threatened to veto the bill because it also would allow slot machines at horse racing tracks, which the governor opposes.

Since then, pro-gambling lawmakers have been trying to work out a deal that would appease horse track owners. Prospects for a gambling expansion likely would improve after the November election, when lame-duck legislators might be more willing to vote for it.

Quinn said lawmakers must work to overhaul the Medicaid and pension systems or rising costs will take up an ever growing portion of the budget, leaving fewer dollars to pay for other priorities such as education and public safety.

“That's where my focus is, and I think that's where everyone's focus should be,” Quinn said.